Abstract: Systems and methods for erecting a drilling rig. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (10) (top drive) designed to be suspended from a travelling block (6) in a drawworks and laterally supported by a dolly (9) running together with the well drilling apparatus along tracks or rails fixed to a derrick. The well drilling apparatus (10) comprises at least one driving motor (5), one power transmission (4) powered by the at least one driving motor (5), a drive shaft (7) driven from the power transmission (4) and designed to be connected to a drill string, load transferring means, and a torque arresting device (3) fixed to and depending from the power transmission (4). At least a number of the above referred components of the well drilling apparatus (10) are designed and arranged as component modules, which by means of quick releasable connecting means connect the individual components/modules together.

Abstract: A drilling system comprising a pipe comprising a first end and a second end; a drill bit near a first end of the pipe, adapted to drill a hole in a formation; a pipe rotator near a second end of the pipe adapted to rotate the pipe; and a pump connected to the pipe between the first end and the second end, the pump adapted to transport a fluid from the first end of the pipe to the second end of the pipe, the pump comprising a first portion adapted to rotate with the pipe and a second portion adapted to remain stationary relative to the pipe.

Abstract: A down-hole drilling assembly (12, 16) and control system (120) therefor, for directional drilling including a bent housing of a bottom hole assembly (18), utilizing a gearbox (102) to derive a higher speed (about 600 r.p.m.) rotational drive (104) from the drill string (10) to drive a drilling bit (20) via an electromagnetic clutch (110, 112) controlled by the control system (120) such that the clutch balances reaction torque when the orientation angle of the bent housing is correct.

Abstract: A shock mounted top drive comprising a traveling frame for moving along a drilling tower, the traveling frame comprising a first and second housing section, at least one set of sheaves mounted to the upper section of each housing section, a guide wheel assembly secured to the outboard side of each housing section, at least one swivel support disposed on the inboard side of each housing section, at least one shock absorber disposed on each swivel support, and at least one upper stop connected to the inboard side of each housing section. A top drive power swivel, which has a housing and a rotating drive shaft, is secured to the traveling frame using a plurality of removable top drive retainers. The top drive retainers engage the inboard side of each housing section between the upper stops and the shock absorbers.

Abstract: A hydraulic drilling machine has a metal chassis shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped, drilling resources located at the front of the chassis, a rotary motor to drive drilling rods, and a hydraulic circuit. An electrical circuit powers the various components of the drilling machine. The machine can be mounted on the arm of a hydraulic mini-digger and operate without an extra hydraulic unit.

Abstract: A power swivel for rotation of tubulars, particularly in the drilling and servicing of oil and gas wells. The power swivel has a main body with a central cavity, and means for attaching the main body to the hoist mechanism (typically, the traveling block) of a drilling rig. A stem is rotatably disposed in the main body, with a threaded connection on its downward end, for connecting to the tubular string (drillstring). Vertical loads on the stem are transferred to a main thrust bearing which engages the stem. The vertical loads are then transferred to a removable bearing core contained within the main cavity of the main body. The removable bearing core permits relatively inexpensive and expeditious repair of the power swivel.

Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters, are used to power an electric motor controller and electric motor. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps used to advance a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).

Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: A construction apparatus having an arrangement for controlling guidance of a frame thereof along a predetermined path, e.g., a slip-form paving apparatus, has an arrangement for selectively digging vertical bores in the ground surface at spacings along the predetermined path for planting of vertical posts to be secured by the paving material upon setting thereof. In operation, as the construction apparatus is guided over the ground surface along the predetermined path, the bore-digging arrangement is periodically actuated to form vertical bores at spacings along the predetermined path, after which a settable paving material is formed along the predetermined path including filling the vertical bores with the paving material, and posts are placed vertically in the holes for securement therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly in a gearbox which is used for positioning, where the sensor assembly comprises a relative to the gearbox housing (18) fixed sensor (20), and where the angle between the gearbox housing (18) and the output shaft (26) of a gearbox (14, 16) is measured using a to the output shaft (26) fixed and to the sensor (20) connected shaft (28), whereby a sensor assembly which measures the angle in the gearbox (14, 16) including the play in the gearbox (14, 16) is attained, which gives increased precision at the same time as gearboxes (14, 16) with play can be utilized for accurate angle positioning.

Abstract: A method includes powering a drill motor with power derived from an all terrain vehicle (ATV) engine and controlling the drill motor. An apparatus includes a ATV with a power takeoff configured to deliver power from an ATV engine. A drill mast is moveably coupled to the ATV, a drill motor is configured to turn a drill bit and the drill motor is slidingly disposed on the drill mast. The drill motor is configured to be powered from the power takeoff; and a control is configured to operate the drill motor such that a hole can be drilled by the drill bit.

Abstract: In a method and device for drilling, in particular percussion drilling or rotary percussion drilling, holes in soil or rock material, wherein a borehole is formed by a percussive and/or rotational movement carried out by a drill bit (1) mounted on a drill rod assembly (4) and an envelope tube and/or a jacket tube (15, 18) is introduced into the borehole, it is provided that the impact energy introduced by the drill rod assembly (4) is transmitted partially, particularly centrally, by the drill rod assembly (4) onto the drill bit (1) and partially via an impact shoe (10) cooperating with the drill rod assembly (4) onto the envelope and/or jacket tubes (15, 18), thus enabling the reliable introduction of the excavation or impact energy into the drill bit (1) as well as into the envelope and/or jacket tubes (15, 18).

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member connectable to said top drive characterized in that it further comprises an internal tool for engaging said tubular and an external clamping device for engaging said tubular.

Abstract: A drilling machine drills foundation holes known as drilled shafts or bored piles with a drilling tool attached to an end of a kelly. The kelly is rotated with a rotary drive. The rotary drive has a first motor, a final drive gear coupled to the kelly so as to rotate with the kelly and a planetary gear set between the first motor and the final drive gear. A second motor is coupled to the ring gear on the planetary gear set. A clutch can also be connected to the ring gear. The rotary drive allows the drilling tool to be rotated at low drilling speeds and, without stopping rotation or shifting gears, removed from the hole and accelerated to high speeds to discharge spoil. A mid-range is also possible, wherein the drilling tool can process fluids in the hole. Another motor and planetary gear set can be coupled to the final drive gear and to the second motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device useful for boring holes into the earth, and is especially useful for drilling holes in which fence posts are to be placed. A device according to the invention is completely self-powered, having its own on-board engine which supplies all of the power necessary for the boring operation and other movements of the device associated therewith. A device according to the invention is readily removable from and attachable to a motorized vehicle equipped with a trailer hitch, and is adapted to configure itself in a retracted position for ease in storage and transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member (13) connectable to said top drive (3) characterized in that it further comprises an internal tool (30) for engaging said tubular (7) and an external clamping device (39) for engaging said tubular (7).

Abstract: A torque track in conjunction with parallelogram links and a hydraulic cylinder is used for multiple purposes in a drilling rig top drive system. The torque track is rotationally mounted within the mast between the crown and the rig floor and pivotally mounted by the parallel linkages to the sides of a power swivel. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted to an arm at the lower end of the track and it's other end is connected to the fixed rig structure. When the power swivel is supplying torque during drilling, the linkage transmits the torque to the track which is restrained from rotating by the hydraulic cylinder. The torque is thereby transmitted via the hydraulic cylinder to the fixed rig structure rather than the mast. The hydraulic cylinder can also be used as a load cell to allow torque measurement as well as to pivot the power swivel when needed for pipe handling purposes. The arrangement thus provides triple top drive functionality.

Abstract: A drilling system is provided that includes first and second tubular connectors and a washpipe assembly including at least one dynamic seal and defining a fluid conduit having a first mating connector and a second mating connector. The drilling system also includes a controllable torque driver arranged to mechanically engage the washpipe assembly such that fluid connections are made between the first mating connector and the first tubular connector, and the second mating connector and the second tubular connector.

Abstract: A tong as may be used for a continuous circulation system in a wellbore. The tong has a housing with a hollow interior. A plurality of spaced apart jaw assemblies reside within the housing's hollow interior for engaging a portion of a tubular to be gripped and rotated by the tong. A gear wheel is secured to the housing for rotating the housing and the jaw assemblies. The gear wheel includes a toothed outer circumference for mating with teeth of a drive shaft of a driving motor. A gear flange is movably mounted on the gear wheel such that rotation of the gear wheel does not rotate the gear flange.

Abstract: A post hole digger has a frame attached to three-point linkage of a tractor. A boom has its proximal end pivotally connected to the frame, and an auger is pivotally mounted to the distal end of the boom. The boom is formed by a pair of laterally spaced arms, each of which is an integrally formed angled arm. The boom arms are bent from straight lengths of steel in a cold working process, to reduce manufacturing time and cost.

Abstract: A torque track in conjunction with parallelogram links and a hydraulic cylinder is used for multiple purposes in a drilling rig top drive system. The torque track is rotationally mounted within the mast between the crown and the rig floor and pivotally mounted by the parallel linkages to the sides of a power swivel. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted to an arm at the lower end of the track and it's other end is connected to the fixed rig structure. When the power swivel is supplying torque during drilling, the linkage transmits the torque to the track which is restrained from rotating by the hydraulic cylinder. The torque is thereby transmitted via the hydraulic cylinder to the fixed rig structure rather than the mast. The hydraulic cylinder can also be used as a load cell to allow torque measurement as well as to pivot the power swivel when needed for pipe handling purposes. The arrangement thus provides triple top drive functionality.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a subterranean boring machine includes a drive motor, primary and secondary drive wheels, a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket attached to the primary and secondary drive wheels, respectively, and a chain operatively extending between the drive sprocket and the idler sprocket. The drive mechanism is movably mounted on the sled of a subterranean boring machine that rolls along a track, the drive mechanism being biased against the track by a set of springs to cause the primary and secondary drive wheels to frictionally engage the track. The drive motor selectively and rotatably drives the primary drive wheel which, in turn, drives the secondary drive wheel. The drive mechanism translates the sled along the track under conditions when the sled is not driving a pipe into a subterranean location. The drive mechanism is configured to be largely self-contained to permit existing sleds to be retrofitted with the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A traveling rolling digger for sequential hole drilling or for producing sequential cultivated spots in soil. The traveling rolling digger includes at least one drilling shaft which is rotatable by a drive mechanism about a longitudinal shaft axis and has a rotating soil penetrating edge. The drilling shaft is mounted to roll about a horizontal shaft in a soil penetrating plane while the horizontal shaft moves in a direction of travel of the traveling rolling digger. The rotating drilling shaft enters the soil at an entry angle and digs into the soil while the horizontal shaft moves in the direction of travel and the drilling shaft continuously changes its angle relative to the soil from the entry angle to a vertical position.

Abstract: A device for connecting a tool to a mechanical drive contains as the coupling element a spring washer coupling or clutch, which is made in one piece from metal and at least in the rotation direction has a limited resilience. Use is made thereof for preventing torque peaks in the case of a sudden deceleration of the tool, e.g. if a screw strikes a wood surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member (13) connectable to said top drive (3) characterized in that it further comprises an internal tool (30) for engaging said tubular (7) and an external clamping device (39) for engaging said tubular (7).

Abstract: A drilling system and a method of using a drilling system that has a first rotatable tubular connector, a second non-rotatable tubular connector and a washpipe assembly having at least one dynamic seal and defining a fluid conduit having at one end a first mating connector and at another end a second mating connector designed to interconnect with the first and second tubular connectors. A controllable torque driver is arranged to mechanically engage the washpipe assembly such that fluid connections are made between the first mating connector and the first tubular connector, and the second mating connector and the second tubular connector.

Abstract: An single apparatus to drill and lift core specimens from an aggregate field includes a frame structure that can be deployed to a workface and is adapted to hydraulically deploy a rotating core drilling bit upon that workface to cut a core specimen from the substrate. The hydraulic deployment of the drill bit is self aligning and does not require complex alignment steps to ensure the maximum cutting efficiency and lifetime of the bit. The same apparatus that can be used to drive and deploy the drill bit can also be adapted to receive and lift the as-cut core specimen from the newly created hole in the substrate. Once lifted, the received specimen can be positioned out of the work area so that work within the newly created circular hole can progress.

Abstract: A rock drill includes a mounting frame to which a hammering apparatus and a rotating apparatus is arranged. The mounting frame is made maneuverable with respect to a feeding beam by means of slide blocks fastened to it, whereby a separate carriage is not needed between the drill and the feeding beam. Owing to the mounting frame, the hammering apparatus and/or the rotating apparatus can be replaceable modules. The invention further relates to a mounting frame which is arranged to transmit the feed and recoil forces directed to the drill to feeding means. The mounting frame comprises a section parallel to the feeding beam, to which slide blocks are fastened, and a transverse axial support thereto, to which the hammering apparatus and the rotating apparatus are mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a top drive unit for drilling of hydrocarbon wells, with the top drive including a channel or passage allowing for passage of drill pipe through the top drive to provide ease of operation during drilling operations. With this passage, drill pipe may be passed through the top drive instead of moving the unit aside as is required with conventional top drives.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted post hole digger for digging post holes in the ground. The vehicle mounted post hole digger includes a spaced apart pair of adjustably extendible support braces with base pivotally coupled to forwards ends of the support braces. A first end of a telescopic boom arm is pivotally coupled to a first end of the base. A motor is pivotally coupled to a second end of the boom arm. The motor has a rotating shaft outwardly extending therefrom to which an elongate auger is attached.

Abstract: An earth auger has a center shaft and a helical flighting extending along the axis of the shaft. The flighting and the center shaft have opposite ends that are identical in construction, so that the auger can be driven from either end by a power unit.

Abstract: A motorized auger comprising a frame with a pair of handles secured to the frame. Each handle having a proximal and a distal end thereto and a pair of downwardly depending support elements. A first wheel is secured to the distal ends of the pair of handles by frame elements and a rear set of wheels is secured to the proximal ends of the pair of handles by frame elements. A drive mechanism includes a chain and a sprocket operably linked to a drive engine and to a wheel, the wheel having an internal brake drum and internal brake shoes. The internal brake drum and internal brake shoes are linked to a brake cable having a cam for tension reduction secured thereto. A throttle mechanism is engaged to the drive engine and an auger is mounted to the frame. The auger is linked to a hydraulic drive motor and the auger and the hydraulic drive motor are secured to an auger mounting track element.

Abstract: With a boring machine having a multistrand rod assembly (3) for producing boreholes in the ground, comprising a rotatable inner rod (29), an outer rod (19), at least one steering and digging tool (5; 33, 35, 36) driven by the inner rod and having an axis of rotation (22) inclined at an angle of for example 90.degree. to the axis of the rod (23), and a linear drive for the rod assembly (3, 19, 20), it is possible to perform both straight-ahead boring and, if only the steering and digging tool is driven, curve boring.

Abstract: A portable hydraulically driven posthole digger is provided. The present invention is mounted to an existing loader-type tractor or skid steer loader by the use of a ball and socket type attachment such as a trailer ball and trailer tongue apparatus. The tongue is mounted vertically above the post hole digger and the trailer ball is mounted on the loader such as the bucket on a front end loader. The posthole digger's hydraulic motor is powered off of the existing hydraulic system of the equipment being used. This configuration not only provides an inexpensive method of digging post holes, but further requires a minimal amount of mounting hardware and can be easily removed and stored when not in use.

Abstract: A well entry tool includes an upper tubular member (10) and a lower tubular member (14) connected together by an intermediate assembly. The upper and lower tubular members (10, 14) are provided with outer end portions (12, 16) for connection of the tool in a drill string for fluid flow through the tool. The intermediate assembly includes a hollow body (18) which includes aligned, spaced bearings (30) receiving the upper and lower tubular members (10, 14) to provide rotation of the tubular members (10, 14) relative to the hollow body (18). A power transmission device is provided within the hollow body (18) for transmitting torque from the upper tubular member (10) to the lower tubular member (14) and an entry device (42) permits a wire or similar flexible member to pass sealingly from the exterior to the interior of the hollow body (18).

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically maintaining the drill steel on its proper path during drilling. The drill is mounted at the end of an extendable boom, the extension of which can be controlled hydraulically. The orientation of the drill steel with respect to the boom is also controlled hydraulically. The boom can be elevated by a hydraulic system to drive the drill steel into the strata above. The position of the drill is calculated by a controller by means of several sensors. The controller then controls the extension of the boom and boom angle as well as the orientation of the drill with respect to the boom in order to maintain the drill steel in the proper position throughout the drilling process.

Abstract: A rock or ground-drilling machine includes a gear housing (14) in which there is journalled a shaft (31) which surrounds a drill string (23) in the manner of a sleeve and which is affixed to the drill string by means of a chuck (7) connected to the shaft (31). the chuck is operated by means of pressure fluid delivered to the chuck (27) through the medium of a commutator (36) acting between the gear housing (14) and the shaft (31). the shaft (31) is journalled in the gear housing (14) by means of one single rolling bearing (39). the commutator (36) lies resiliently against the gear housing (14) and is flexible in response to sideways movement of the shaft (31).

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment the core drilling rig of the present invention includes a base, a vertically extending mast, a movable carriage mounted on the mast, an electric powered motor for rotatably driving a core drill bit, and a control system for controlling the supply of electric power to the drive motor. The control system includes a motion sensitive device for detecting the unwanted movement of the base and suspending the supply of electric power to the motor.

Abstract: A post hole digger for attachment to the three-point hitch of a tractor comprises a mainframe having a position control/lock down assembly mounted thereto for raising and lowering the frame and securing the frame to the tractor. A pair of bipartite booms having first and second angled arms are pivotally mounted to the frame. A drill assembly is swingably mounted to a cross beam extending between the second boom arms of each boom. A pair of cylinders extending between the first boom arms and frame pivots the boom arms into and away from a ground drilling position. During the drilling process the bipartite boom configuration compensates for the tendencies of the drill to divert from a true vertical line. The driller transfers the weight of the tractor to the boom arms and the drill connected thereto so as to effectively drill holes in rock-laden soils.

Abstract: A post hole digger comprising a borer, an hydraulic driving motor for reversibly driving the borer and a frame on which the borer is mounted is described. This post hole digger has the advantage of being able to be disengaged from a hole being bored if the borer should become stuck. In addition, torque reaction from the borer striking obstructions is absorbed by the hydraulic relief valve. The borer and hydraulic motor are at opposite ends of the frame which has a fulcrum in between to allow the weight of one to counterbalance the weight of the other for ease of operation.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted mechanized soil sample collecting unit including a sampler arm pivotably affixed to a base mounted upon the vehicle. At its remote end the sampler arm pivotably carries a soil auger and soil accumulator container. An actuator is coupled to the sampler arm for swinging the arm between a lowered, soil-collecting position and a retracted container discharge position. A power unit rotates the soil auger, which is adapted to advance through the bottom of the container and into the earth as the container engages the surface of the earth upon lowering of the sampler arm. As the auger rotates the soil sample is drawn upwardly into the accumulator container by the auger flights. With the sampler arm in the retracted position the accumulator container is positioned over a funnel device into which collected soil is deposited through a bottom trap door of the accumulator container for reception in a sample container beneath the funnel outlet.

Abstract: A diamond core drill using a sealed core bit is fastened centrally by means of a hollow shaft with a slanted cut at one end, that is used in a wedging manner to secure the tool against the work surface. This eliminates the need for an exterior frame and thus permits the use of large hole saws up to 48", held by a simple and economical tool. The tool feed towards the surface is controled via an advance control nut that screws on the filleted part of the shaft. The tool has a water feed system that entraps the water in a chamber formed by the barrel of the saw and the surface to be cut, that forces the water to seep along the sawing gap thus facilitating lubrification of the core bit. The resulting configuration is such as to allow for a single tool operator.

Abstract: A ground-boring device with a ground auger, which features a boring spindle driven by an engine-transmission unit. A framework is provided with a travelling gear. On the grip ends of the framework is provided a handgrip arrangement located during operation of the device at roughly the gripping level of a service person and a seating device for mounting of the engine-transmission unit of the ground auger, arranged in a longitudinal direction to the framework at a horizontal distance from the travelling gear. The handgrip arrangement is positioned such that the boring spindle essentially runs vertically so that the seating device permits a swinging of the ground auger in relation to the longitudinal direction of the framework during its penetration into the ground.

Abstract: A modular drilling apparatus having three units, each of which is fully enclosed, transportable and positionable for workover and completion of wells on 30 foot well centers without interfering with the operation of adjacent wells. The first end of the drilling unit is positioned over a well with its central axis diagonal to the centerline of the wells and at a right angle to the pipe handler in the pipe shelter unit, the vertex of the right angle being at the well center. The mud unit is set back from the centerline of the wells, and is functionally connected to the second end of the drilling unit. The width of the drilling unit is greater than 50% of the clearance between adjacent well houses on each side of the well.

Abstract: A convertible drill apparatus for applying force to a probe capable of operating in either a vibratory drilling mode wherein the apparatus is adapted to drive the probe into the material to be drilled or a rotary drilling mode wherein the apparatus drives the probe into the material to be drilled by rotation of the probe. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the probe, rotary drive for imparting a rotary movement to the probe, a vibratory drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the vibratory drive, a rotary drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the rotary drive, a support for supporting and containing the coupling, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention can be easily converted from vibratory drilling modes to rotary drilling modes and back by exchanging the vibratory drive with the rotary drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a down hole tubular for rotation in a drilling machine includes a support member adapted for connection to the quill of the drilling machine. The support member supports three or more guides which converge toward one another in a selected direction. A clamping dog or engaging member is mounted to slide in each of the guides to move into engagement with a down hole tubular when positioned toward a first end of the guide and out of engagement with the down hole tubular when positioned toward a second end of the guide. A linkage interconnects the engaging members, and includes an acutating member exposed at an upper portion of the support member. This actuating member moves vertically along an axis between open and closed positions, which causes the engaging members to release or engage the tubular.

Abstract: A placement and removal apparatus for use in insertion and withdrawal of a well point and the like includes a vertical support column and a gripping carriage that may be moved vertically along the support column. The gripping carriage includes a carriage frame with first upper and second lower clamp assemblies vertically spaced apart and disposed on the carriage frame. Each clamp assembly may be rotated independently about a common vertical axis of rotation. Opposed jaws associated with the clamp assemblies have a well point engaging surface and may be moved to engage about a surface of a well point disposed threbetween so that the gripping carriage may apply vertical and rotational forces to the well point.

Abstract: A safety stabilizer for an auger having a screw, and an engine, and handles, and having two stabilizer legs, swingable upper joints on each leg, and anchors on the lower end of each leg.

Abstract: A vibratory core drill apparatus for the recovery of soil or sediment core samples. The samples are collected within a rapidly vibrating sample tube which is driven into the ground by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the sample tubes, coupling for coupling the sample tubes to the vibratory drive, support for supporting and restraining the coupling and vibratory drive, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention permits the rapid recovery of representative soil or sediment samples at depths of up to 20 meters without the periodic disassembly of the invention during the drilling operation.